Fashion

Rock Olivia's Bold, Striped Ensemble This Summer

by Mary Avant

June 18, 2014

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

I’ll be honest: I don’t think I had a true appreciation for Olivia Wilde and her killer style until she started kicking ass and taking names with her smoking-hot and always-on-point maternity style late last year. I mean, the lady absolutely nailed it on the red carpet both before and all throughout the 2014 awards season, stunning in everything from a curve-hugging, brilliant-blue David Koma dress to that unforgettable sequined Gucci Premiere number at this year's Golden Globes (oh, and let’s not forget the flawless Valentino look from the Oscars). And these are all especially impressive feats considering she had major maternity-wear competition from pregnant stars like crop top–wearing Kerry Washington, Drew Barrymore, Emily Blunt, and Ciara.

But now that Wilde has given birth to her adorable son with fiancé and comedian Jason Sudeikis, the actress is already hitting the red carpet in stunning-but-simple looks that remind us all why she’s a style pro who we'd be lucky to take fashion tips from any day — particularly when she’s showing off looks from her subtly sexy summer wardrobe. And if her two most recent appearances are any indication, that summer style includes a lot of bold stripes, rich colors, and a smattering of mixed prints.

Showing up to a filming of the Late Show With David Letterman, Wilde sported an easy, breezy, mixed-print look with a yellow and burgundy striped tee paired with a draped and printed blue skirt. Finishing the look with a contrasting striped belt and blue ankle-strap heels, the actress made summer style look simple, chic, and bold all at the same time.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Not satisfied with just one in-your-face, patterned piece, Wilde then hit the red carpet for a screening of the new film Third Person rocking a striped Stella McCartney number that featured not one set of colorful stripes, but two. With its full, flowing skirt and understated side cutouts — along with the mix of both thick and thin stripes — the star’s look was a lesson in prints and casual silhouettes for the summer season.

And because I know you’re probably itching to apply that lesson to your real-life wardrobe, why not start with some of these bold striped and mixed-print pieces to get you on your merry little way?